“As we mark World AIDS Day, I want to add my voice once again to all of those who are working so hard to raise awareness of AIDS, to challenge stigma, and to support those living with HIV, to have full and productive happy lives.

“Thanks to effective treatment and the brilliant care of our NHS, an early diagnosis means the outlook for most people today with HIV in the UK is a good one.

“But some 25,000 people in the UK do not know they have it, or not benefiting from treatment, and are increasing the risk of passing the virus on.

“This means up to 600 people each year could be dying from a preventable, treatable condition”.